DIY WINDOW FILM INSTRUCTIONS
Step-by-step installation instructions
TOOLS AND MATERIALS TO INSTALL WINDOW FILM:
SIMPLE ITEMS YOU MAY ALREADY HAVE OR ORDER A KIT FROM APEX!
- RAZOR SCRAPER
- SNAPPING BLADE KNIFE (‘OLFA’ STYLE)
- SQUEEGEE
- STIFF PLASTIC ‘5-WAY’ TOOL OR PLASTIC TROWEL
- TAPE MEASURE
- SPRAY BOTTLE
- BABY SHAMPOO
- DISTILLED OR FILTERED WATER
- PAPER TOWELS (LOW LINTING)
- STRAIGHTEDGE
PRO MEASURING TIPS
IMPORTANT! Ensure that the window film you ordered is sufficient in width to cover your windows – for most applications your will not want to create a seem as the end result will not be satisfactory.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Ensure that you have removed labels, stickers or old window film from your window before you get started!
FIRST, MIX UP PLENTY OF SLIP-SPRAY SOLUTION
- 1 LITRE DISTILLED OR FILTERED WATER IN SPRAY BOTTLE
- MIX 1 OR 2 DROPS BABY SHAMPOO
- READ INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS (BELOW) THOROUGHLY BEFORE YOU BEGIN
STEP-BY-STEP INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
IF YOU CAN ARRANGE FOR A HELPER, YOUR PROJECT WILL BE MUCH EASIER, THOUGH IT IS POSSIBLE TO DO ON YOUR OWN:
- Pre-cut film to 1/2″ larger than area to be covered*
- If you have not done so already, mix soap spray as described above
- Spray surface of glass opening with soapy mix and clean with razor scraper (see our glass preparation video for more details)
- Spray again and squeegee the glass, then wipe perimeter and frame with paper towel (fold edges in-away from glass-to reduce lint)
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you are satisfied that the window is very clean
- (It is best that you have a helper for this step) Lightly spray both sides of the film with mix. Spray glass surface thoroughly. Peel liner from film and spray sticky back side of the window film AS you expose it.
- If your windows are square and the film is cut straight, you may try to position the film in the upper left-hand corner of the window. If not, overlap all edges of the glass with the film.
- Spray surface of the film and gently squeegee water from centre of work and push out to edges of the film
- Trim excess film, using straightedge as a guide
- Cover the 5-way tool or stiff plastic with paper towel and continue to push water to the outer edges of the film. **IMPORTANT** Always ensure that tool/plastic is covered and never use razor scraper for this step - sharp edges can scratch or damage your film.
- Continue pushing out water to the outer edges until you are satisfied that you cannot remove any more water
*Decorative Window Film Installation:
Before cutting patterned decorative window films, ensure that you are cutting the film in the same direction for all windows, otherwise your patterns will not line up properly.
For wider windows, some films may be cut length-wise, provided the width of the window film you ordered is sufficient to cover the length of the window. For example, if you purchase a 48″ window film, but have a window that is 53″ wide, you may be able to fit the film by turning it length to width, provided your window length does not exceed 47.5″ ( Remember an additional 1/2" bias is required for both length and width.) PLEASE NOTE: You will not be able to do this with patterned decorative window films as the pattern will not line up!
REMOVING WINDOW FILMS
One of the most commonly asked questions we receive is whether or not window film is removable. The simplest window films to remove are static cling and low-tack films. Our adhesive films are meant to last, but they are removable. Click the link below to visit our YouTube demo on removing old window film:
TESTIMONIALS
“The frosting is nothing short of perfect. Your crew was nice, quick and professional. When they left the area was as clean as it was when they came in. Truly was a great experience working with Apex from beginning to end. I’ve submitted your contact information to the building manager since we had such a great experience with you. Hopefully it turns onto more work for you guys. Thanks for a great experience.”
Steve, Commercial Client, Toronto
“The installation process was organized and efficient. Their employees were all pleasant, informative and unobtrusive. We were dreading the work… but in the end they did not really disrupt us too much and they were so neat and orderly that it was probably the most pleasurable “install” we have ever been through. Thanks you again…”
I.T., North York, Ontario
“We are so satisfied with the window film that was applied to the wraparound windows of our apartment. The workmen were so quiet and professional with a very low level of disruption to our household. Jan was completely honest in what we could expect in terms of what the film would accomplish. The results were exactly as she described. Our building manager was so impressed that he requested Apex’s phone number to recommend it to new tenants. He also passed on the number to other tenants in our building who were having severe sun-heat problems even with air conditioning. So thank you Jan – it was a pleasure to meet you and we are so glad that we listened to you.”